Only just 6.5% of personnel account for women in the Naval Service but for the first time in its history, three of its ships - a third of the fleet - are being captained by female Lieutenant Commanders.

As the Irish Examiner writes, Nessa Maloney commands the LE Ciara, Grace Fanning is captain of the LE Roisin and Clare Murphy commands the LE Niamh.

Only the Army has a bigger percentage of female members, currently standing at 6.93%, while the Air Corps lags behind at just 4.5%.

The most senior officer in the Army is Colonel Maureen O'Brien, who is expected to climb the ranks even higher.

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.